During the war, elderly internally displaced persons are one of the most vulnerable groups. Many have lost their homes, are separated from their families, and feel lonely and uncertain about the future. These experiences strongly affect their emotional and mental health.
Internally displaced persons in Ukraine have a significantly higher prevalence of depression compared to the pre-war level in the general population. For comparison, in the pre-war period among internally displaced persons (2016 data), the prevalence of depression was approximately 22%, while data of 2023–2024 gives more than 50% of internally displaced persons who have a high risk of depressive symptoms.
“Kolping” is Uzhhorod University of the Third Age (UzUTA), a free educational resource center for internally displaced persons that provides social and psychological support for people of senior age, helping them to lead an active, meaningful, and harmonious life. Kolping’s main focus is social integration, assistance to internally displaced persons, education, and family support.
The MiMIND project (2024-2027) https://www.gamian.eu/mimind/ aims to promote good mental health and prevent mental health problems among migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons (particularly from Ukraine). It does so by providing methodological support to professionals involved in integration and essential services (e.g., healthcare, social care, education, employment). The project focuses on addressing both pre-migration and post-migration stressors, which affect the mental health of these vulnerable groups. This project has received funding from the EU4Health research and innovation program under grant agreement No 101161289.
InterFamily Clinic is located in Uzhhorod and works with internally displaced persons through psychological screening, counseling, and psychosocial support, helping them to detect depression at early stages and refer people for treatment (psychologists/psychiatrists, support groups).
As part of the international MIMIND project, InterFamily Clinic, with support from the Sister City of Corvallis (USA), carried out depression screening among participants of Kolping to implement different psychosocial methods including psychotherapy through learning English which proved to be somewhat unexpected but effective form of psychosocial support .
For more than a year, English classes have been held twice a week by volunteer teacher Nina Kolesnyk, a highly experienced educator who is now retired.
The group includes about 20 elderly learners, and many more people would like to join. The classes are popular not only because of the teacher’s skills, but also because they offer a calm, respectful, and safe environment.
For elderly internally displaced persons, learning English is more than just studying a language. The classes help them communicate, support each other, and keep their minds active. Participants say they feel less anxious, more emotionally stable, and more involved in life. Having regular classes gives them a sense of routine and stability during the uncertainty of war.
The teaching approach is adapted to the needs of older adults. Many learners had little or no previous experience with English, but the classes are relaxed and without pressure. Participants can see real progress, which increases their confidence and motivation. Success is shared and celebrated within the group.
English also has practical value. Many participants travel abroad to visit their children or grandchildren. Even basic language skills help them feel safer, more independent, and less afraid in foreign countries. Some participants also use English to find information online and better understand the support Ukraine receives from international partners.
Over time, the group has become a supportive community that reduces social isolation and strengthens emotional resilience. This experience shows that education, social connection, and respect can provide real psychosocial support for elderly people, even outside traditional therapy settings.
What elderly students say:
…….”I love to travel to different countries and experience different situations so English helps me anywhere to feel safe and secure. Mrs Nina is extraordinary professional and it is a big honor to study with such a teacher”……
…… “I am 75 and my memory needs to be trained by memorizing words, expressions , texts, songs in English”......
….” English lessons discipline me to attend classes in time and to prepare my home tasks” …..
….”For me learning English is a means of overcoming a language barrier and to get acquainted with new people .Regular trainings helps me to be more sure in my abilities”……
….” For more than 10 years of my life I was trying to learn English ( 5 years at school and 5 years at the university) but had no visible results. Our lessons with Nina are quite different: tables, word games, technical means, we are free to express ourselves. I did not believe that after 65 I’ll be able to learn foreign language. Our lessons are a good proof that Ukraine will survive with such wonderful people as Nina”…
……”Learning English with Nina helps me to be more independent and assured while abroad. It is a great fun to be a member of our wonderful and creative group instead of being alone and miserable”…..
……”Lessons with Nina give me positive emotions and a chance to be among the people of my age most of whom have higher education. When I started learning English, my children and grandchildren were very happy and proud of me. They began to respect me more, and this means a lot to me. My eldest daughter admitted that I was an example for her, and that when she is my age, she also wanted to keep learning and growing.” ….
…..“Little by little, the feeling of fear is going away. English lessons with Nina help me step by step forget the horrors of war”….